It's unlikely you are seeing actual water when you close your eyes. The sensation is likely related to the tears your eyes are still producing, or the way your eyelids and eyes interact. Here's a breakdown of what might be happening:
The Sensation of "Water"
When you close your eyes, the sensation you experience is not actual water in your vision. You are likely noticing the moisture from your tears. Our eyes constantly produce tears for lubrication and protection. Even with your eyes closed, tear production continues, which you may perceive as "water."
Why Your Eyes Water
Watery eyes can occur for a couple of key reasons according to our reference:
- Overproduction of Tears: Your body may be producing more tears than usual. This could happen due to several factors, including:
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can irritate your eyes and cause them to produce more tears.
- Dry Eye: Ironically, dry eyes can sometimes trigger excessive tear production as a compensatory mechanism.
- Irritants: Exposure to dust, smoke, or other irritants can stimulate tear production.
- Drainage Issues: Tears normally drain through small ducts located in the corners of your eyes. If these ducts are blocked or not working correctly, tears can build up and overflow. This can happen because:
- Blocked tear ducts can prevent tears from draining properly.
How it relates to closing your eyes
When you close your eyes, the eyelids exert slight pressure on the surface of your eyes. This pressure can also slightly affect tear distribution. You can then be more aware of the moist feeling. In addition to the above, closing your eyes may make you more sensitive to the sensation of your tears.
What to do if you are concerned
If you have persistent or excessive tearing, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, redness, or blurry vision, it is recommended that you consult a doctor to identify the cause.
| Symptom | Possible Causes |
|---|---|
| Excessive tearing | Allergies, dry eye, irritants, blocked tear ducts. |
| Redness or pain | Infection or inflammation |
| Blurry vision | Potential underlying eye issues. |
